WASHINGTON - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), five manufacturers are recalling about 50,500 backpack blowers. The fuel tanks on these blowers can leak, posing a fire hazard and risk of burn injuries to consumers.
The following firms are conducting this recall:
- Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co., of Charlotte, N.C.;
- John Deere Consumer Products Inc., of Moline, Ill.;
- Makita U.S.A. Inc., of La Mirada, Calif.;
- Carswell Import & Marketing Associates Inc., of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and
- Tilton Equipment Co., of Rye, N.H.
Carswell has received 159 reports of leaking fuel tanks on its recalled blowers. Makita U.S.A has received 55 reports of leaks. John Deere has received five reports of leaks. No injuries have been reported. The other firms have not had reports of leaks.
The recalled blowers all have their brand name, model number and serial number written on the units. Consumers should check with the manufacturer to determine if their blower is part of the recall and should have their serial number available when they contact the firm.
 Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co.Model No.: 155BT and 155BF Dates Sold: from June 1998 through June 2001 Phone: 800/438-7297 Web Site: www.husqvarna.com |
  John Deere Consumer Products Inc.Model No.: UT26113, UT08093 and UT08104 Dates Sold: from January 1998 through April 2001 Phone: 800/537-8233 Web Site: www.johndeere.com |
 Makita U.S.A. Inc.Model No.: RBL500 Dates Sold: from March 1997 through January 2001 Phone: 800/625-4828 Web Site: www.makitaope.com |
 Carswell Import & Marketing Associates Inc.Model No.: FL500 Dates Sold: from December 1996 through June 2001 Phone: 800/929-1948 Web Site: www.carswelldist.com |
 Tilton Equipment Co.Model No.: TB50 Dates Sold: from August 2000 through May 2001 Phone: 800/447-1152 Web Site: www.tiltonequipment.com |
Home centers, hardware stores and manufacturer dealers nationwide sold these blowers for between $400 and $750, according to CPSC.
Consumers should stop using the recalled blowers immediately and contact the manufacturer to have their blower repaired free of charge.